Congo: Officials extend COVID-19-related state of health emergency until at least April 22 /update 36

Officials in Rep. of Congo extend COVID-19 state of health emergency until at least April 22; domestic and travel restrictions unchanged.

Event

Officials in the Republic of Congo have extended the country's COVID-19-related state of health emergency until at least April 22. The country's COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions have otherwise remained largely unchanged since Jan. 3.

Domestic Measures

In Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, a nightly 23:00-05:00 curfew remains in place. There is no curfew outside of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
Wearing a facemask is mandatory in public spaces and on public transport.
Some restrictions on gatherings remain in place. Sporting events are limited to 50 people.
Restaurants and bars have reopened, but measures must be taken to accommodate customers in outside areas if possible. Nightclubs remain closed until further notice.
Weddings are permitted to occur.
State-owned markets may open six days per week.
A health pass (proof of vaccination) is required in order to enter public or private administrative buildings.

Persons traveling by air, road, rail, or waterways between cities have to present a vaccination certificate or a negative test result. Health, education, law enforcement, and other public service personnel as well as cab, bus, and other public transport drivers need a vaccination certificate.

International Travel Restrictions

Arriving and departing travelers must complete a travel form before their trip; incoming travelers must also pay in advance for a PCR test to be carried out on arrival.
Travelers are subject to quarantine until the results of the on-arrival PCR test are available; those receiving a positive test result are subject to Ministry of Health regulations.
All travelers arriving in Congo are encouraged to present a negative result from a PCR test issued no more than 72 hours prior to arrival; children under 11 years of age are exempt. Those who do not present a negative test result upon arrival are required to take a test at the port of entry and quarantine for up to 14 days pending the results of the on-arrival test.
All outbound travelers will have to present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled departure from the country.
Land and river borders remain closed.
Persons arriving from countries with a high circulation of variants are subject to quarantine. The exact countries impacted are unclear, as is the required duration of the quarantine period.

Authorities may announce amendments to COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions in the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements.